New images show interior of new Amble high school as completion nears

The £47 million scheme will replace the aging buildings at James Calvert Spence College as part of a county-wide modernisation programme.

It follows a decision to move the Amble partnership of schools to a two-tier system. The project has been described as a “super school” and will also provide facilities for use by the local community outside of school hours.

The school build remains on schedule, with plans for it to open in September.

Cabinet member for education at Northumberland County Council, Guy Renner Thompson, said: “It’s a state of the art school. The new building is the latest part of the school’s improvement after it finally got a good Ofsted rating.

“Amble is an up-and-coming town and the school is a huge part of that with all the facilities that the community will be able to use. It’s a school for the whole town – we’re very proud of what we have achieved so far at Amble.”

Under the Conservative administration, which came to power in 2017, the council has already built new high schools in Hexham, Ponteland and Seaton Valley. There are also plans to rebuild Berwick High School in the coming years.

Council leader Glen Sanderson said: “The school has been a big investment for the county council. We felt the need to use council taxpayer’s money to create a school that was fit for purpose for young people in Amble and the surrounding area to give them the best possible education.

“It is a very large investment, but it is one that will pay for itself for years to come. It’s something that has needed to be done for years.

“Thousands of words have been spoken about this, but not a brick was laid. I’m absolutely delighted, it will be a great success and a community asset as well because we will look to do what we have done at Seaton Valley where community groups are welcome to use the facilities.

“It’s not just for young people, it’s for the people of Amble of all ages.”